Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Read, Read, Read, Said the Baby: How do dinosaurs love their dogs; How do dinosaurs love their cats by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague

[This review was previously published and has been updated and edited]

Did you know Jane Yolen's popular dinosaur series were board books as well as picture books? I did not until I received these review copies. These board books are a little different than the picturebooks, as they're clearly divided into "good" and "bad" behaviors with pets. First, we see the ways a dinosaur should NOT love his dog or cat by being rough and neglectful. Then, we see how a dinosaur really loves her dog or cat by being gentle and responsible. Mark Teague's illustrations are even funnier than the picture books with hilariously over-the-top bad behavior and adorable sweetness on the good behaviors.

I tested these out on my research team; first on our adult services librarian's almost-toddler who did not approve. I think these were a little long for him and he's not into dinosaurs yet. However....in our second testing phase, with Ms. Pattie and the toddlers at storytime, they were a wow! The kids went crazy over the dinosaurs and their silly behavior.

Verdict: These are great examples of board books for slightly older toddlers, closer to the 3 yrs old range. They have simple, rhyming text but elements of a story, colorful bold pictures that express simple emotions and actions, and broad humor that is just perfect for kids who are starting to comprehend jokes.

How do dinosaurs love their dogs
ISBN: 978-0545153522; Published January 2010 by Blue Sky Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab Associates; Donated to the library

How do dinosaurs love their cats
ISBN: 978-0545153546; Published January 2010 by Blue Sky Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab Associates; Donated to the library